Ippudo: Japanese Ramen, Westfield Sydney (3 Dec 2012)

As I enter Ippudo's latest franchise that opened this week in Sydney my presence is announced with an enthusiastic chorus of 'Irrashaimase' (welcome) from all the service staff like being presented like royalty arriving at a ball. There's no inconspicuous entrances in this place. Quite fun although hearing it over and over again throughout your dining experience leaves little moments of quiet and calm. Ippudo gyoza ($6, 5 pieces) were flavoursome little parcels. Little being the operative word. Thin skins are nicely cooked with a slight outer crisp while retaining some juiciness inside. Pity they're nearly half the size you'd hope them to be but I'd happily have them again. The Ippudo pork bun ($4) could possibly be a contender to the famed Momofuku steamed pork bun. A tasty morsel of tender braised pork, crunchy iceberg lettuce and japanese mayo on a pillow soft steamed bun. An enjoyable snack you won't want to share while you wait for your ramen soup.

A bowl of ramen starts at $15 but I upgrade to the Shiromaru Motoaji Tamago ($17) which includes a flavoured egg. I like its depth of flavour, tender slices of pork and crunchy texture of black mushroom. I have my thin noodles cooked 'normal' retaining a pleasant bite. Other options were soft, hard and extra hard. It's a premium price compared to other ramen around town but perhaps the quality, decor and service will justify the price for some. I do prefer the broth over the really thick Gumshara ramen which I find way too heavy for my personal liking. The Akamaru Shinaji ($16) also comes with the original tonkotsu broth but enhanced with a special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil providing an extra hit of flavour. This might be Japan's answer to the Malaysian laksa. Staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient although asking four different waiters for the bill highlighted a hiccup in the system which hopefully will be ironed out in time. We also received someone else's paid bill and their tip by accident. The perils of sitting at a large communal dining table I guess. Leaving to a chorus of 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much) reminds me of my brief Japanese getaway and starts me thinking of what I might order on my next visit.

CONS: Premium price for ramen compared to others around town, Gyoza are very small, Teething problem with asking for the bill four times from four different waiters but hopefully this will be ironed out

WORTH TRYING: Pork bun and Akamaru Shinaji

VERDICT: A nice looking restaurant serving decent ramen at a premium price served by a small army of friendly staff that greet and farewell you in Japanese

Just got back from a very satisfying lunch at Ippodu Sydney. The steamed pork buns are a real hit. Deliciously grilled pork belly, soft steamed, sweet bun and cruncy iceberg lettuce. How can you beat it!

The ramen was very good, but getting to the end of the bowl the broth was becoming quite heavy.

subscribe to Free updates

Simon Leong

Passionate Sydney food blogger in search of the best dishes around the world and writing reviews to whet your appetite. Feel free to email me your recommendations of where to eat simonleong[at]hotmail[dot]com